PAST MESSAGES
December 13, 2007
POLITICS and the POLITICIAN
Perception is the first word that comes to my mind when I think about politics. Almost everyone has an opinion on any given subject. We choose to express our position with various levels of sensitivity while others merely observe. Our assessments are sometimes slotted for us into camps that may not be of our choosing.
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January 1, 2008
This New Year offers an opportunity for change and a responsibility to guard against and expose those who would redefine our liberties. We have several Benton County Commissioners willing to promote the revisionist point of view when it comes to The United States Constitution.
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January 22, 2008
REMARKS TO THE COUNTY COMMISSION
My name is Henry Berry and I reside in the first Civil District of Benton County. I rise this evening to voice my opposition to your proposed changes to the Benton County Commissions RULES OF ORDER AND PROCEDURES. On PAGE 5 it states in part that anyone wishing to speak at a County Commission meeting must run a gauntlet of ill-conceived and ill-advised steps. Let's take this assault on the FIRST AMENDMENT of the UNITED STATED CONSITITUTION point by point.
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February 19, 2008
REMARKS TO THE COUNTY COMMISSION
My name is Henry Berry and I reside in the first Civil District of Benton County.
Tonight, I rise to voice my concern regarding the desire of the Budget committee to eliminate the present budget law.
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February 25, 2008
OPEN LETTER TO TAX PAYERS OF BENTON COUNTY
It is now perfectly clear that our County Mayor is not going to provide a venue from which the people may speak to the current attempt to grab and consolidate power.
Since 1939 our Private Act concerning the county budget process has served us well in two areas. The first one was in having the members (5) rotate on and off the budget committee. This process divided the power which is always a good thing in government. But in 1999 former Mayor Thornton and Commissioner Steinbuck were successful in removing this vital protection. Now, the same five commissioners may serve for as long as they remain a part of the commission. The second area concerns the ultimate protection for us by requiring a (2/3) two thirds vote of the commission to spend our money that is not already in the approved budget. If a simple majority becomes law run away spending will occur and our taxes will climb.
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April 15, 2008
It is another sad day for Benton County. I just learned that the secrecy that has surrounded the Decatur/ Benton Special Sewer District for the past decade has begun to bear fruit. Former County Mayor Thornton and current Commissioner Randy Patton, among others, are to share the spotlight for the possibility of businesses closing at Exit 126.
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April 17, 2008
The North Utility District of Decatur & Benton Counties, Tennessee sent out subscriber agreements last month to businesses at Interstate Forty exit 126. On this site I have placed a copy of
one these letters with the name of the business blacked out. In addition, you will find a copy of the B.D.C.S.S.D.
Subscriber agreement. Also, I have a copy of the 20 page
Sewer Use Ordinance for B.D.C.S.S.D dated October 2004.
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May 6, 2008
I confronted Mayor Wiseman two weeks ago about Benton County receiving IRS penalties and interest for failing to pay payroll taxes in a timely manner. While raising his right hand as if to take an oath Mayor Wiseman told me to my face that it was not true.
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May 20, 2008
Open Letter to Benton County
Last night at the Benton County Commission meeting the commission approved the agenda for their meeting. Included was Resolution No. 6519-33 which concerns county payroll in the amount of $16,000. Mayor Wiseman opened the floor for citizens to speak for two minutes. As I begin to speak, Mayor Wiseman called me out of order after having read only two sentences of my remarks which are included below.
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